UNDERAGE PRESENTATION

The presentation night for the Under 12′s to Under 16′s will take place in the clubhouse this Fri 29th at 8.00pm.

A very special guest will present the medals on the night. Hope to see you all there.

COUCH TO 5K

The club is running a Couch to 5k programme at the clubhouse. It’ll run every Tue and Thurs at 7.17pm and lasts approx 45 minutes.

It’s only €2 a session. Please contact Simon on 0851503092 for more details. This is a great way to get fit, lose a few lbs and have fun.

CLUBHOUSE BAR

The Clubhouse bar is now taking bookings for parties. For all your special occasions, christenings, birthdays, functions. Contact Simon at 085 1503092 for more information

IRISH DANCING CLASSES

Irish dance classes every Wed in Gaa centre 6 to 7 pm and 7 to 8 pm also Saturdays 4 to 5 pm and 5 to 6 pm qualified tutor reg with coimision le rinci gaelacha.

Adult keep fit non competitive Irish Dance Lessons will begin shortly. For further information contact Lorraine on 087 1261349

3G ASTRO TURF PITCH

State of the art 3G Astro pitch is available. Please contact Terry O Reilly(0866095347) for times.

LOTTO RESULTS

There were no winners of this weeks lotto. Numbers drawn were 5,16,19 and 29.There were 2 match 3 winners.

Jamie Mc Cready and Fionn+Niamh Mc Ginty receive €75 each.

Next weeks Jackpot is a massive €7,600. Gary Dunnions’s team is selling next week.

SIGNS

Anyone wishing to take a sign in a prime location on a gable wall, please contact Alan Or Peter.

MAC CUMHAILL’S BINGO

Mac Cumhaill’s Weekly Bingo is in the Villa Rose this week.

Seascape Spa at the Silver Tassie Hotel is the first spa in the North West to introduce “Mama Mio” treatments and was voted ‘Best Spa Treatments’ by Pregnancy & Birth Magazine!!

The Seascape Spa at the Silver Tassie hotel are the first Donegal Spa to introduce a range of pre & post pregnancy treatments created by the pregnancy experts ‘Mama Mio’.

Jenny and her expert team of therapists have a brand new range of indulgent ‘Mama Mio’ spa treatments designed to take you right through every stage of your nine month stretch.

Ladies visit Seascape Spa at the Silver Tassie Hotel on the Ramelton Road, just 5 minutes from Letterkenny Town.

Enjoy wonderfully safe, nurturing, muscle-easing, leg-lightening, skin-elasticising pregnancy & post-pregnancy treatments, voted Best Spa Treatments by Pregnancy & Birth Magazine.

The “Mama Mio” range is available now – Gift Vouchers for all treatments are also available-with set down area for stress free shopping.

Seascape Spa will host a special “20% OFF All Products” day on December 17th for one day only from 9am-9pm ….Don’t Miss Out!

The remains of the late Tom Gilmartin ar carried to the grave by family members as his wheelchair bound wife Vera looks on.

The son of Mahon Tribunal whistleblower Tom Gilmartin said his father never got the apology he was owed by the Irish state.

Thomas Gilmartin Jnr received a huge applause at St Michael’s Church in Urris earlier today as he remembered the life and times of his late father.

Almost 200 mourners gathered at the picturesque church on the rugged Inishowen Peninsula overlooking Tullagh Bay.

Family and friends gathered with locals as Tom, 78, whose wife Vera is a native of the area, was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

Tom’s son Thomas Jnr broke with the normal tradition to read his eulogy in memory of his father at the start of mass.

During his touching tribute to his father, he occasionally looked towards the coffin containing his father.

On top of the coffin lay two pictures of a young Mr Gilmartin alone and one with his beloved wife Vera.

Thomas Jnr told how his father was touched by corruption from an early age – even before he started his career.

“Unfortunately as is very common in the Ireland of the 1940s and 1950s, opportunities to make the most of his God given talents were few and far between.

“Nonetheless he managed to get a place in Agricultural college and did so well in his exams that he was told to get ready to com to Dublin to take up a job in the Civil Service.

“A short time later he was told that his place had been taken by someone else that had not done nearly as well – but someone that had a relative well-placed.”

When he returned from England to work in England he found it was a  similar place that he had left all those years ago.

“Unfortunately my father was let down by people for whom moral scruples or the type my father lived by was seen as a weakness.

“Later he never wavered his commitment to the truth even when subjected to extraordinary pressure.

“He would never perjure himself even when it was disadvantageous for him to tell the truth such was his honestly and his religious faith.

“Dad loved his country and was a proud Irishman. It truly grieved him as the son of a man who fought for the independence of his country to see the sacrifices of his father’s generation disregarded by lesser men.

“It is a source of great sadness to us his family that dad was never truly given the credit he deserved for what he did or the apology he was owed for what was done to him. He deserved better.

“But that era was only a drop in the ocean compared to his life as a whole,” he said.

A native of Lislary, Co Sligo, Mr Gilmartin spent much of his working life in Luton, Bedfordshire, before acquiring land in west Dublin for a planned shopping centre.

His name will forever be linked to a shopping centre, originally planned for Quarryvale, which subsequently became the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, after Mr Gilmartin was squeezed out of the project.

His payments to Fianna Fáil politicians and his allegations of bribery demands from others led to his becoming a key witness in the Quarryvale module of the Mahon Tribunal.

Mr Gilmartin latterly lived in Cork with his family.

He died peacefully at Cork University Hospital last Friday morning.

Thomas Jnr also remember the lighter moments of his father’s life and how he loved only very strong tea – with a “teabag or four.”

He revealed how Tom had returned to his native Sligo a year ago for the last time.

“Dad always remained a proud Sligo man and took time to tell stories there about his adventures as a young man. And 40 odd years in England did not even leave the slightest trace on his accent.

“Going back there last year on what would be his final visit home was a great privilege for my wife and myself. As we walked along the shoreline beside his birthplace it was if as if he was reliving his boyhood and it was very moving to see a mixture of joy and sadness in him as he did.”

As he fought back tears, Thomas Jnr added he genuinely thought his father was a one-off.

“It is sometimes an exaggeration to say that we will not see someone’s like again. But in my father’s case it is true. He was a one off,” he said.

He added that his own life with be a lot quieter and a lot less colourful place without his dad to talk to.

“I was blessed to have him as my beloved father”

As Tom Gilmartin was lowered to his final resting place, his family including his four children and wheelchair-bound wife Vera dropped yellow and red roses on top of his coffin.

The bright floral tributes contrasted starkly to the grey skyline of the Inishowen Peninsula under which Tom Gilmartin was laid to rest forever.

What an eventful week we had in Dunfanaghy last week. We have the ongoing Ryder Cup tickets competition, the Helicopter drop where one ball actually touched the pin and the next one 4 inches away, and the Christmas hamper for the men.

Wednesday was a challenging day weather wise but it was the experience of Neil McGinley that yet again came to the fore and won the competition.

Neil was second last Wednesday and moved up to the top slot this week. Well done Neil.

Saturday was a 4BBB competition and it was the vastly experienced duo of Roger Green and James Brogan who managed to pip Freddie Stewart and Tony Griffin to first place on 45 points BOT

Sunday was our Christmas Hamper and the winners circle was full of great scores with a couple of Captains and Presidents thrown in for good luck.

But it was the absolutely fantastic score of Anthony Gallagher carding a 58 net that romped home to victory with a massive 5 shots to spare.

Well that Anthony sorted for Christmas anyway.

Second place went to Captain Michael Kelly, Gross to Daniel Gallagher and third place went to President Brian Dolan

RESULTS:

Wednesday 20th November

1st Neil McGinley 28 pts

Saturday 23rd November

1st James Brogan / Roger Green 45 pts BOT

2nd Freddie Stewart / Tony Griffin 45 pts

Sunday 24th November Xmas Hamper

1st Anthony Gallagher 58

2nd Michael Kelly 63

Gross Daniel Gallagher 69

3rd Brian Dolan 64

Coming up next week we have the Stewart Bam Cup Competition on Sunday and this is a V Par competition.

Saturday is another 4BBB competition and be advised there is also a Gaeltacht Alliance match on so get your slots organised.

Wednesday Opens are being reorganised and the new rates are members €7 (soup and sandwiches €3 extra) and visitors €15 where soup and sandwiches are included in the price.

Just to remind you all about our Ryder cup competition where a 4 ball enters for €30 and has the chance to win tickets to see the Ryder Cup next year.

This competition can be played any day of the week and is not limited to Saturday or Sunday. Multiple entries are also allowed so you could play every day if you wanted.

The Helicopter Drop has taken place and the winner will be announced next week at the price giving on Sunday 1st December when all outstanding prizes will be given out.

AGM

Please note the Club AGM is scheduled to take place at 7pm on the 7th of December in the clubhouse. Nomination Forms for Executive positions are available from the club website (www.Milford.Donegal.GAA.ie).

Anyone wishing to join the Executive in any position must be nominated in advance, even those currently in a position.

Nomination forms are to be with Club Secretary Kevin Egan by no later than 4th December.

Scor na nOg

On Saturday night last a very successful Semi-final of Scor na nOg took place in the Parochial Hall in Milford with competitors from 8 clubs taking part in front of a full house.

There was a very high standard of competition so it was going to be very difficult to get through to the final which takes place next Saturday night in Glenswilly.

In the instrumental music section all the groups were very good so we were delighted when our own group of Kyle Macaulay, Eoin Orr, Barry Orr, Kevin Egan and Maeve Mc Cotter Kelly, along with St Eunans, qualified for the final.

A big thanks to everyone who helped on the night and special thanks to the girls and boys who represented Baile na nGalloglach.

Our musicians would appreciate your support in Glenswilly on Saturday night next.

All County Quiz

This years All County Quiz will take place at 9pm on Friday 29th November in the Travellers Inn, Milford.

The winning team on the night will progress to the All County Quiz Final.

Entry is €5 per person and teams of 4 max. A Raffle with prizes including a Donegal jersey will take place on the night.

This is a General Knowledge quiz, not a GAA specific quiz. All welcome.

Dinner Dance

This years dinner dance sure to be a great night due to the fantastic success of our Senior Mens and Ladies teams this year.

It has been the most successful year ever for the two teams and has seen both complete the domestic double and also going far in Ulster, while our Gaelic for Mothers & Others team also made great strides.

The two league and two championship trophies will be presented as well as a host of player of the year awards and Hall of Fame awards.

Entertainment on the night will be provided by Paul McCahill and DJ Mo. This is a ticket only event, get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets can be bought from Joe McNulty (086-8547114), Aidan Cannon (087-1223177), Marty Barrett (087-2768714), Nigel Black (086-8128869), Pat Curley (087-1239192) or Roisin McCormack (087-9188795)

Lucozade Sports Club Crusade

Thank you to all who helped with this years bottle cap collection, your support was much appreciated and we would ask that everyone continues to collect their bottle caps for next years collection.

Irish Language Classes

Irish classes have recommenced. If you would like to learn Irish from the beginning or improve on the Irish you have, get in touch with any club member or phone Brendan on 0749152455 or email bandcward1@gmail.com

Child Protection & ASAP Policies

CLG BnaG Child Protection and Welfare Policy & Procedures and CLG BnaG Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ASAP) prevention Policy information sessions have been held for all members of the club executive and all those involved with underage teams.

There will be further information sessions for underage members and their parents/guardians following the next registration in 2014.

Please visit the ‘downloads’ section of our website (Milford.Donegal.gaa.ie) and view the policy for yourself.

If anyone has any queries or concerns or comments please contact the club Children’s Officer Marian McNulty at 086/8506405 or marian.mcnulty@lyit.ie

Newsletter

For all your weekly, news, fixtures, results and match reports as well as much more such as player profiles, photo albums and more please subscribe to our newsletter by texting your name and email address to 086-3400082, emailing milforddonegalgaa@gmail.com or by contacting the clubs Twitter or Facebook pages

Volunteers Needed for Sub-Committees

CLG BnaG is currently in the process of creating Sub-Committees to help implement and achieve the targets of a 5 year plan.

If you feel you can contribute to the running of the Club in any small way, either in time or in ideas, please contact MilfordDonegalGAA@gmail.com, 0863400082 or send a PM. The Sub-Committees are as follows:

Finance

Underage Games Development

Adult Games Development

Club Administration

Club Facilities

PR, Communication & Culture

U8/U10 Training

Under 8 and Under 10 training as normal on Friday at 6.

Lotto Sellers Required

The Club is seeking lotto sellers in the Milford, Ramelton and Rathmullan areas. If you are interested contact Joe McNulty on 086-8547114

Lotto

This weeks lotto numbers were 4-5-15-16. No jackpot winner, 2 match 3 winners wins €35 each. Jim Diamond, Grey Rocks, Alan Sweeney, Moyle Hill. Next weeks Jackpot is €1,640.

Evolution Fitness

All paid up club members will now be able to avail of a €10 discount on 3 month membership.

Normal 3 month membership is €80 but will be available to members for €70. If interested contact Jack Duddy at Evolution Fitness beside the mart in Milford

Contact Us

For all information and queries contact MilfordDonegalGAA@Gmail.com, follow us on Twitter on @CLGBnaG, and on Facebook on www.facebook.com/clgbaile.nangalloglach or see our website www.milford.donegal.gaa.ie

Training

Seniors: Tues & Thurs at 6.30pm

Ladies: Wed (6.30pm) & Sat (10am)

Gaelic for Mothers: Wed at 8pm

U10s: Fri at 6pm

U8s: Fri at 6pm

Milford GAA Club Gear

Club gear is now available to order. Anyone who has ordered club gear but yet received it are to contact either Aidan or Barry.

The range of club gear includes Hoodies, Tracksuits tops, Windcheaters, hats, navy polo shirts, white polo shirts, and t-shirts.

There is some lovely gear available at very reasonable prices and photos are available to view on the club Facebook page. Orders can be placed with Agnes Ryan on 086-8194751

Letterkenny has received a huge boost after being been named as one of Ireland’s top 10 towns.

The Failte Ireland award has been set up to recognise towns and villages that have gone the extra mile to make Ireland even more attractive for visitors.

The short-list also includes Cobh, Drogheda, Ennis, Kenmare, Tralee and Kilkenny town.

Three towns in Co Mayo – Mulranny, Murrisk and Westport – have also been nominated.

The award will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday.

Last year Portmagee, in Co Kerry, was crowned the inaugural winner.

“Tourism isn’t just a business, it’s a community industry and that’s why the whole community has a role in supporting tourism,” Minister of State for Tourism, Michael Ring, said.

Many of the towns taking part have embraced The Gathering initiative, organising community events locally.

Toni Forrester, CEO of Letterkenny Chamber told Donegal Daily “This is great news and we are keeping our fingers cross that we can come out on top.

“We have had a greats summer and our numbers were up for visitors and we are hoping that we can now have a great Christmas.

“This would certainly be the icing on the cake for what has been a very positive year for the town,” she said.

Donegal star Mark McHugh and Open Sea swimmer Anne Marie Ward will be among the special guests at this Thursday’s final leg of the Donegal Youth Council SPARKS Mental Health roadshow in Donegal Town.

Mark McHugh will be special guest.

The Donegal town leg of the “SPARKS” roadshow, which takes place in the Abbey Hotel, is an exciting new initiative in Donegal which has been running across the county over the last couple of months.

The roadshow, which kicked off in Letterkenny on World Mental Health will has visited Stranorlar, Gweedore, Buncrana in recent weeks.

Thursday’s event will work with 200 representatives from Abbey VS, Colaiste Colmcille, Magh Ene Bundoran, Colaiste Carraige and St Catherines from Killybegs.

The Donegal Youth Council is a group of 36 young people aged 12-18 years, who identify issues and promote projects to improve the lives of young people in Donegal.

Like the County Council they are selected from five electoral areas and represent the young people in their local areas.

The roadshow offers information and advice on how to manage stress in your life during exam times and other difficult situations and how to be more aware of what supports you have around you and how you can be a support to others.

The event has a strong focus on fun with a range of inspirational speakers, workshops and other activities, with a few surprises along the way.

The roadshow has been developed using the model of the Mental Health 5 a day, which is internationally now recognised as 5 key areas you can focus on which can have a big effect on your health and wellbeing.

The event will have input from a range of organisations, including Jigsaw, Donegal Youth Service, HSE Health Promotion, Foroige and Mental Health Ireland, with other guest speakers from the wider community who have each conquered their own personal challenges in life, such as Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador Orla O’Reilly.

The Donegal Youth Council is funded by the Donegal County Council, HSE Health Promotion and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and is co-ordinated at local level by the Donegal Youth Service.

The SPARKS roadshow will kick off in the Abbey Hotel at 10am and runs until 3pm.

Picture courtesy of Paddy McGrath

GAA star Paddy McGrath has blasted Donegal County Council – over a pothole that almost put him off the road.

The Ardara man took to Twitter last night, showing a picture of the pothole which blew a tyre and wrecked a wheel on his car.

“It happened near Meenaroy,” Paddy later told Donegal Daily.

“I was driving from Fintown to Letterkenny at the time and I hit the pothole and the tyre just burst.

“I’m told I’m not the first to hit it and it makes you wonder why you pay all these taxes. It’s just a disgrace.”

No-one from Donegal County Council was immediately available for comment last night.

Critically ill Donegal Senator Jimmy Harte’s condition has improved dramatically in hospital in Dublin.

Senator Jimmy Harte’s condition is improving in hospital.

While his family say he is still in a very serious condition, the past 24 hours has seen the Letterkenny politician come off his ventilator.

And it is hoped that in the coming days the 55 year old could be moved from the ICU department to a high dependency unit at Beaumont Hospital.

The father of four has moved his hand and is understood to be trying to communicate with family members.

A close family member told Donegal Daily that doctors are delighted with Jimmy’s improving condition but stressed he still has a long road to travel.

“Compared to just a couple of days ago Jimmy is in a much better place.

“We don’t want to go into the specifics other than to say that doctors are very happy with how things are going.

“Last week it looked like Jimmy was really up against it but he has fought so hard to hang in there.

“We still have such a long way to go but thankfully things are going in the right direction for him,” said the family member.

The Letterkenny businessman was found unconscious on a street in Dublin on Saturday week last after attending an Irish soccer game at the Aviva Stadium.

He had a serious head injury and was put in an induced coma to allow doctors to treat him.

The family spokesman added that Jimmy will remain in hospital until the New Year and hopefully get all the treatment he needs on his road to recovery.

“People have been so good. The amount of good wishes, phonecalls, texts and other messages willing Jimmy to get better is just incredible,” he added.

Club Notes – Naomh Adhamhnáin

In Association with Letterkenny Shopping Centre

Our Come Dine With Eunan’s night was a great success. A huge crowd packed into The Grill on Saturday evening after some fine dining all over Letterkenny. Special thanks to Joe’s Butchers, The Counter Deli and The Grill for their support. Well done to Alma and John for their work in organising the event.

The U16 Boys never got going in their county final on Saturday and goals proved costly in the end as they were beaten by a good Dungloe team.

The Minor Board AGM takes place in the Clubhouse next Thursday, December 5th at 7pm.

Applications for the Senior Football manager’s position should be sent to Charlie McAteer by e-mail: charlesmaca@eircom.net or by post to Charlie at Lismonaghan, Letterkenny on or before Friday, Dec. 6th. Please include relevant experience, applicants must hold a minimum Level 1 Coaching Cert.

Comhghairdeas le na hiomaitheoirí go léír as an chlub a fuair fríd go babhta ceannais Scór na nÓg Dhún na nGall. Bhí siad uilig tharr barr oíche Shatharn i mBaile na nGalloglach. Good luck to all our competitors who take part in the county finals of Scór na nÓg this Saturday 30th November in Glenswilly following tremendous performances in Rince Foirne, Aithriseoireacht, Bailéad Ghrúpa, Ceol Uirlise agus Tráth na gCeist in the semi-finals in Milford last Saturday night. Please come out in numbers to support these outstanding scór competitors on Saturday night in Glenswilly.

Eamon O’Boyle’s LYIT squad narrowly lost their HE Div. 2 Final to University of Limerick, the team punched above their weight all year to reach the final and will have gained great experience.

Girls U10 training is in the Convent Gym on Wednesday’s between 6pm and 7pm followed by U12’s from 7pm to 8pm, cost is €2. U14 Girls train on Thursday’s in Game On, Kiltoy between 7pm and 8pm, cost is €3. The Friday Hurling Academy has moved indoors to Game On every Friday between 6:30pm and 8pm, cost is €3.

Congratulations to Maeve and Conall Dunne on the birth of their baby boy last week.

There were 6 match 3 winners in this week’s Lotto draw and they win €20 each. This week’s numbers are: 14-15-17-23. Conor Gibbons (card); Neil Martin, c/o Gallaghers Hotel; Paddy McTeague; Mark Blaney, Central Bar; Gary McFadden, Glenswilly; Cyril Gallagher, Main St. (all Adrian). Next week’s jackpot is €1,250.

Good luck to neighbours Glenswilly on Sunday in the Ulster Club final.

We send our condolences to Catriona McIntyre and family on the death of her mother Madge (Glenties) this week

Stramore NS, Glendowan, Churchill are getting ready to launch their fantastic new CD on Friday.

Pupils, teachers and members of the community have compiled a CD of much loved songs.

Oiche Ceoil will be held in Callaghan’s Bar, Churchill on Friday 29th November 2013 at 9pm to celebrate the launch this CD.

All musicians, singers and storytellers are encouraged to attend the launch for what promises to be a night of fun and craic.

FINANCE Minister Michael Noonan shocked Dail Eireann last night during a debate on tax reliefs for home owners, by accusing Donegal builders of widespread fraud.

He said builders in Donegal are “night and day working in the black economy” during a debate at the Finance Committee.

Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty was furious at the comment, accusing Mr Noonan of a cheap shot at the Gaoth Dobhair politician.

Rosses AC Notes

The club AGM will be held on this Thursday night 28th November in the hall in Mullaghduff at 8pm.

All parents, coaches and committee members and anybody interested is encouraged and welcome to come along.

We held our juvenile presentation night on Friday night last in the Caisleain Oir in Annagry.

There was over 100 children and their parents present and the organizing committee of Brid Ward, Sean McGinley, Ita Gallagher, Louise Gillespie and Brid Doherty made sure it was a night to remember.

Local doctor and athlete Edward Harkin was the guest of honour and presented the many medals and cups won by the juvenile athletes in Sportshall, Track and Field, Schools and Cross Country during the year.

Edward himself was a former juvenile athlete and although had other interests and studies over the years starting training again last year completing Gael Force Challenges, the Coastal Challenge and more recently ran a hugely impressive 3:18:17 for the Dublin marathon.

Edward talked about the enjoyment to be had from athletics but also the benefits to be had for all from being active.

The club athletes of the year award winners were: Patrick Marry, Ferdia Doherty, Mia Baike, Saskia Boyle and Thomas Marry.

Presentations were also made to all athletes who qualified for the All Irelands which included Patrick Marry, Ferdia Doherty, Jack Doherty, Finn Nicholas, Fionan Ferry, Emma Maloney, Grainne McGlynn, Amy Greene, Grainne McGlynn and Amber Gallagher.

This year saw huge strides in numbers of athletes as well as coaches and this was evident as we had 23 athletes travel to both the Even and Uneven Ulster Cross County Championships recently.

A special mention to Danielle McDyre and Tom Marry, our two club appreciation recipients The night was completed with a buffet and spot prizes for all.

Huge thanks to Caisleain Oir for the use of the facilites and excellent food.

Adult training continues at the Industrial Estate, Gweedore on Wednesdays at 7pm. These are speed endurance sessions and now is the time to get down and started into them.

Note; the Friday 20th December – Rosses AC Adult presentation night in Caislean Oir starting at 9:30pm. Tickets 10 euro.

The Donegal Vocational schools team will be aiming for a fourth successive Ulster title when they meet Cavan in tonight’s Ulster Bank Inter-County Cup. 

Donegal have absolutely dominated the competition in Ulster since winning the All-Ireland at this level in 2011 against Cork.

Manager Joe McKelvey will be hoping his team can win four successive Ulster titles at this level for the first time since Donegal last won four successive Ulster titles from 1984-1987.

For Cavan they will be hoping it’s a case of third time lucky as they have lost out to Donegal in the last two finals.

Donegal hammered Tyrone in the previous round and go in to this match as the hot favourites to take the trophy back to Donegal again.

The game will be played under the lights at Brewster Park, in Fermanagh with a throw in time of 7.00pm.

Good luck to all the players and management.

This Friday, November 29th is the deadline for nominations for the 38th Donegal Sports Star Awards. Nominations for the Donegal County Council sponsored event can be done online from the nominations page and emailed to info@donegalsportsstarawards.ie  or by completing a simple nomination form, which can be downloaded and posted to Paul McDaid, Post Office, Ramelton.

Those not using on-line can simply post their nominations to Paul McDaid, Post Office, Ramelton. A brief summary only of achievements will suffice.

Pictorial and DVD footage is also required. For further details visit www.donegalsportsstarawards.ie

The Hall of Fame winner has already been chosen by the committee therefore no nominations will be accepted in this category.

The Donegal Sports Star Awards presentation function takes place on Friday, January 31st in the Mount Errigal Hotel.

Fianna Fáil’s Education Spokesperson Charlie McConalogue has said there is a mounting threat to the future of small schools in Co Donegal as the Government continues to sit on a report which could determine their future.

Charlie McConalogue TD

In response to questions from Deputy McConalogue in the Dáil, the Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn again refused to commit to a date for publishing the Value for Money review, which he has had since early this year.

“Minister Quinn has been sitting on this report for about nine months now, while uncertainty looms over the future of schools with less than 85 pupils. This uncertainty is highly damaging, as parents will understandably be less likely to send their children to a local school whose future is in doubt,” explained Deputy McConalogue.

“It’s my suspicion that this is exactly what Minister Quinn wants. He is deliberately creating uncertainty over the future of small schools as part of plan to squeeze them out. He has repeatedly cut resources for smaller schools and raised the pupil teacher ratio. It’s all part of a targeted attack aimed at forcing some small schools to merge or shut down entirely.”

The Inishowen Deputy said Donegal will be particularly badly hit by this targeted attack.

“We have among the highest number of smaller schools in the country, as well as a greater number of gaelscoileanna and minority faith schools. These schools cater for a vast geographical area and in many cases they provide much more to the local community than traditional teaching. Many of these schools have already lost a teacher and have seen their resources cut. Many now fear they could face closure.

“This is a policy by a Dublin based Minister who appears to have no understanding of the enormous value that a local school, however small, adds to a rural community. His attack on small schools makes no consideration of a school’s ethos, its catchment area and the key role it plays in the local community.”

He called on Minister Quinn to end this uncertainty, immediately publish the Value for Money review and come clean about his plans in relation to small schools.

“Parents and staff of smaller schools throughout Donegal have a right to know where they stand,” said Deputy McConalogue.

Tir Chonaill AC Juvenile Awards

At the clubs juvenile awards night in Pier 1 Donegal Town, on Friday night last, Club Chairman Paul O’Gara highlighted the numerous competitive, organisational and administrative successes of Tir Chonaill A.C during the last twelve months.

“The club through its many coaches and volunteers assisted and guided hundreds of athletes from eight years to retirement age via weekly schedules that saw members participate, enjoy and have much success in programmes as varied as little athletics, special Olympics, fit4llife, road – from 5k to Marathon, track and field[Indoor and Outdoor] and Cross country.

“I would like to thank all the coaches for their huge contribution of time and expertise and the numerous athletes on their outstanding achievements during the year.

“We are also indebted to the very generous sponsorship support we receive from the community.

Paul acknowledged the generous support received from Sean Mc Guinness, Hardware, Killybegs, Bio Insulation, Laghey; All Sports, Pier1 and Martin and Anne McGowan -sponsors of the club 2013 juvenile awards.

“Cara Pharmacies, the clubs main sponsor during the last number of years I wish to acknowledge and thank – your support via the Cara Bundoran 10, which has grown into a well organised and recognised National event, attracting participants from all over Ireland and abroad, is much appreciated by all members.

“In conclusion I wish to thank the local media, who have most positive towards all aspects of the club and congratulate all tonight’s club award winners.

Athletes that Represented the club in Donegal/Ulster in T/F; CC or Indoors

Ellen Canavan; Emma Farren; Diarmuid O’Donnell; Mark McMenamin; Cian Cassidy; Adam Mazin; Aislin Mohan; Kirsty Herron; Sophie Tracey; Derbhal Neil; Abaha Morrow/Hayden; Eve Moore; Lucy McGowan; Aine Ribling; Eile Battle; Katherine Mc Clay; Rory O’Connor; Ethan Mangan; Oisin McManus; Oisin Price; Owen O’Donnell; Cliadhna McManus; Amy Lorenynko; Mia McCalmont; Olivia Grham; Amie O’Brien; Niamh Boyle; Cliodhna McManus; Charlotte Timoney; Kerry O’Loughlan; Aine Ribling;Kate Shovelin; Eve Travers; Kate Smith; Ciara McCarthy;

Represented the club in All Ireland competition i.e. clubs, schools, community Games.

Lucy McGlynn; Emer O’Brien; Mark McGuiness; Eva McMullan;Jessica Quinn;Ciara Crawford

Won medals at National level

Emma Brady -Triple Jump; Hannah Campbell – Pole Vault;Niamh Mc Grory –Irish Schools 4 x 100m

Coaches athlete of the Year

Athletes that showed exceptional commitment and club spirit during the year

Orla Coughlan and Christopher O’Loughlan

Middle Distance Athlete of the year

Emily McGill and Daniel Gallagher

Jumps Athlete of the year

Caolan O’Callaghan and Katie Hoad

Sprints Athlete of the year

Jack Behan and Kate McGowan

Throws Athlete of the year

Mark Campbell and Clara Herron

Coach of the year

Peter O’Connor,

Coached Special Olympians and Juvenile athletic groups during the year

Club person of the year -Brenda Morris

Multi tasked as coach, club registrar and led hospitality at all club events i.e. Cara Bundoran 10, Club April 1st T/F meet and all road races

Male Athlete of the year -Karl Griffin

Represented Ireland at European

Juniors in Barcelona; holds National U18 – 800m record; recently took up an elite Athletics Scholarship at UCD

Female Athlete of the year – Kelly Mc Grory

Won numerous National Indoor and Outdoor Sprint titles; Smashed Celtic International 400m U18 record and Co Donegal 400m H record – 64.03secs -during then year

By our Belfast Daily Staff: FORMER IRA terrorist Liam Adams was sentenced today (Wednesday) to 16 years for raping and sexually abusing his daughter.

The 58-year-old brother of Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams appeared in the dock of Court 14 in Belfast Crown Court to hear his fate.

Deputy Belfast Recorder Judge Corinne Philpott QC told Adams he will spend 16 years in custody and two years on licence following his release from prison.

The judge has spent the past number of weeks reviewing pre-sentence and probation reports before making a decision on what sentence to pass on Adams.

During the first trial it was claimed in court that Gerry Adams had confronted Liam in Buncrana in 1987 about the abuse, with a claim he had threatened him with a hammer.

Gerry Adams confirmed the confrontation but denied using a hammer.

North West Shotokan Karate Club enjoyed tremendous success at the recent International competition in Carlow. 

Fourteen students from NWSKC, along with their coach, Sensei Mandy McNulty, travelled to Carlow for the annual two-day event, which took place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October.

Assisting Sensei McNulty in coaching duties were senior club members Ciara Dullaghan and Emer Dullaghan.

The popular competition in Carlow this year attracted teams from all across Ireland, from England, Scotland and Wales, as well as competitors from as far away as the Czech Republic, Austria and Georgia.

The event got underway on Saturday, with Eimear Lafferty and Emma Ellis representing NWSKC in the under-14 year olds’ competition.

Eimear competed strongly as usual and narrowly missed out on a medal in her kata event, coming fourth in her category.

Eimear was selected to fight in the ultimate kumite event as a member of the ‘Rest of the World’ team (age group 12-13 years) against the hosts, Carlow.

She fought bravely until an injury forced her out of the competition, nevertheless achieving a well-deserved silver medal.

Emma was on top form, out-performing all competitors in her category in kumite to win the gold medal.

Emma also competed on the Rest of the World team against Carlow in the 8-11 years old category, aiding the team to victory and securing another gold.

On Sunday the over-14 year-old students took to the mats, with juniors, cadets and seniors all competing.

The cadets began the day very well, with success for Sloan O’Donnell, Emer Dullaghan and Adam Byrne who lifted silver medals in their team kata.

Adam then surpassed this performance, by winning the gold in a brilliant team effort alongside Laura Browne and Elaine Dullaghan.

Not to be outdone, sisters Ciara, Emer and Elaine Dullaghan then produced a top-class team performance to retain their title from last year and win gold in the Senior Ladies Team Kata event.

These strong performances set the tone for what turned out to be a memorable day in Carlow, with the medal tally growing steadily as the individual kata competitions progressed:

Adam Byrne added to his personal tally by winning gold in his category, with teammate, Stephen John Carlin taking the silver; similarly, Isobel Walsh achieved the gold, with Saoirse Kelly lifting the silver; Kyle Gamble and Elaine Dullaghan both added gold medals for their kata performances, while Ciara Dullaghan and Emer Dullaghan achieved the silver and bronze respectively in their category.

The individual kumite events saw many of the NWSKC students fighting their way into medal-winning positions, with gold for Ciara Dullaghan and Elaine Dullaghan, silver for Sloan O’Donnell, Adam Byrne, Laura Browne and Saoirse Kelly and bronze for Dillon O’Loughlin, Kyle Gamble and Sloan O’Donnell.

To crown an exceptional day, NWSKC students, Isobel and Saoirse, Ciara and Sloan, were selected to fight in the ‘Rest of the World’ teams, at Cadet and Senior level respectively, and all fought with great credit.

The Cadets secured the silver in their event. The Senior International team, coached by the North West’s Sensei Mandy McNulty, all performed exceptionally to win the gold and the Team Captain Sloan O’Donnell was presented with the perpetual shield.

Overall, it was a very successful day for the club.

The final medal tally was an amazing 19 gold, 18 silver and 4 bronze medals, bringing great credit to the club and to coach Mandy McNulty and bringing a total of 41 medals home to the north-west.